Senator Bacik calls for Statement of Fianna Fail Support for Climate Change Law

SENATOR BACIK CALLS FOR STATEMENT OF FIANNA FAIL SUPPORT FOR CLIMATE CHANGE LAW

Statement from Senator Ivana Bacik

Labour Party Seanad Spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Wednesday 19th January, 2011

During the resumed debate today on the Climate Protection Bill, Senator Ivana Bacik will say:

“In the debate on this bill last week, we heard much about the Green Party's position on climate change – but very little about Fianna Fail's view of the bill. It is very disappointing not to hear a clearer statement of policy, even from a Party renowned for fence-sitting and refusing to take policy positions. If Fianna Fail are really serious about tackling the urgent issue of climate change, they must bite the bullet and give us a strong statement of their support for the bill.

The Labour Party welcomes the introduction of a climate change law, but we condemn the Government's unconscionable delay in introducing this bill - well into the dying days of this failed regime. We are critical of the bill in that it is considerably weaker than the Government's own Framework Document published in December 2009 and weaker than the cross-party bill introduced by Liz McManus TD on foot of the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Change.

However, we do support the bill and cannot justify any further delays in progressing climate change law. We urge the Government to strengthen and improve it by accepting our amendments during the Seanad and Dail debates.”

ENDS